Elio Cirese

Intrauterine growth restriction and fetal body composition

To assess the differences in fetal body compartments between fetuses with normal growth and those with reduced intrauterine growth, during the third trimester, through ultrasonographic determination of subcutaneous tissue thickness (SCTT).

Single inherited thrombophilias and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Introduction:  Inherited thrombophilia is believed to be a multiple gene disease with more than one defect. We aimed to determine the association between single thrombophilic patterns and a variety of pregnancy diseases.

Homocysteinemia is inversely correlated with platelet count and directly correlated with sE- and sP-selectin levels in females homozygous for C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase

Plasma homocysteine levels depend in part on the molecular nature of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and on blood folate intake. Little has been reported on platelet counts in the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR polymorphisms, with the exception of delayed platelet recovery in homozygous MTHFR C677T subjects after treatment with methotrexate for ovarian cancer. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the possibility of a link between the platelet count and plasma homocysteine levels in different MTHFR variants in 165 female patients. Determinations of plasma homocysteine levels were by ELISA and of MTHFR polymorphisms (A1298C and C677T) were by inverse hybridization. Serum P- and E-selectin concentrations were obtained by ELISA. An inverse correlation (R = −0.88, P < 0.001) was observed between blood platelet counts and plasma homocysteine levels in the women homozygous for MTHFR C677T. This correlation did not depend on pregnancy or other variables reported. Serum concentrations of sE- and sP-selectin, markers of endothelial and platelet activation, were significantly and positively correlated with homocysteine levels. These findings suggest that homocysteine affects platelet numbers in women with MTHFR C677T possibly consequent to endothelial and platelet activation.

Double inherited thrombophilias and adverse pregnancy outcomes: Fashion or science?

Aim:  To determine to what extent double inherited thrombophilias are associated with adverse obstetric complications correlated with fetoplacental insufficiency, such as preeclampsia, hemolytic anemia elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome, gestational hypertension, fetal growth restriction (FGR), intrauterine death (ID), abruptio placentae and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.

Ultrasound-determined fetal subcutaneous tissue thickness for a birthweight prediction model

Aim:  The aim of this study was to explore a birthweight prediction model using ultrasound determined tissue thickness (SCTT) parameters.

OP11.10: Laparoscopy in women with previous abdominal open surgery. Safety of the ultrasound preoperative evauation of the subumbilical field

7 mm or the maximal JZ was > 10 mm, and in Group B the mean JZ was < 7 mm or the maximal JZ was < 10 mm. Results: The 29 patients in Group A had a mean age of 38 (range, 23–42) years, mean parity of 0.57 children and nulliparity of 52%. The 31 patients in Group B had a mean age of 38 (range, 32–42) years, mean parity of 0.58 children and nulliparity of 58%. In Group A, 15 patients had IVF with their own eggs with a 6% pregnancy rate by cycle (3/49 trials). In Group B, 19 patients had IVF with their own eggs with a 33% pregnancy rate by cycle (19/57 trials). The mean hyperechoic halo between the endometrium and myometrium was 10 mm in Group A and 5.8 mm in Group B. The number of cysts was 5.8 in Group A and 2.6 in Group B.